Niger Delta
Jonathan Seeks Investment In Culture Industry
President Goodluck Jonathan has called on the public and private sectors of the economy to explore the great prospects in nation’s culture industry to help alleviate poverty.
The president made the call in Uyo on Tuesday, while declaring open the 2010 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) hosted by Akwa Ibom government.
Represented by Akwa Ibom Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the president said that investment in cultural industries would diversify the country’s revenue base.
He said the investment would also empower the people and generate wealth for the nation to enable it attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The president said: “NAFEST over the years, has done a lot in upholding the unity of this country as well as spreading the messages of good values of our shared heritage.
“I will at this juncture urge all states, the FCT and the local government authorities to continue to support cultural activities in their various localities as it has been proven that culture is the bedrock of wholesome development.
“The Federal Government on its part will continue to identify and support this festival and other such initiatives that will project the unique role of culture in our national development.”
The president then urged all stakeholders in the cultural industries to utilise the instrument of NAFEST with a view to leapfrogging the nation’s march toward realising its quest to make Nigeria one of the most developed economies in 2020.
In his welcome address, the Cultural and Tourism Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, noted that culture and tourism were emerging products that have great prospects of leading development of our economy in future.
Mohammed said that NAFEST had evolved over the years as an effective platform for promoting national unity among various cultures in Nigeria.
He said that NAFEST had been repositioned as a means to attain peace, unity and national development.
Mohammed said that the choice of Akwa Ibom to host NAFEST 2010 was informed by the rich cultural and historical antecedents of the state.
NAFEST 2010, which is the 24th has as its theme “Cultural industries and economic empowerment,” and attracted 23 states at the opening ceremony.
Niger Delta
Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday
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The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
Niger Delta
Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo
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The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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